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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is described in the Thermos bucket in the opening of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

2. What is the meat from the freezer wrapped in?

3. How are Mary’s eyes described in the story?

4. What is described as being “twisted back underneath [Patrick’s] body” when Mary returns home from the store?

5. What kind of look describes Mary’s eyes in the beginning of “Lamb to the Slaughter”?

Short Essay Questions

1. What differences can be seen between the 1950s society in the short story and society today?

2. What transitions did American culture (and European culture) and society make in the 1950s?

3. What symbolism surrounds the murder weapon in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

4. How is Mary’s transformation metaphorically depicted in her descent into the cellar?

5. What is the motivation for the crime committed in “Lamb to Slaughter”? How is this motivation established in the beginning of the story?

6. What conversation between Mary and Sergeant Noonan leads to the destruction of the evidence in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

7. What influences can be seen in “Lamb to Slaughter”? When in Dahl’s career was the story written?

8. How would you characterize Mary’s mindset as she commits murder in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

9. How does Mary’s character transform after hearing Patrick’s news in “Lamb to Slaughter”?

10. Whose point of view does the narrative of “Lamb to Slaughter” revolve around?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identity in “Lamb to the Slaughter”

a. How does author Dahl explore the theme of identity through the character of Mary in the story? How does Mary’s identity become threatened and what does she do as a result?

b. How does the theme of identity relate differently to the men and women in the story?

Essay Topic 2

Define “symbolism” in narrative literature and identify examples of symbolism in “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Symbolism can extend beyond objects and include characters and setting. How is the setting of the story symbolic? What do you think Mary and Patrick might be seen to symbolize?

Essay Topic 3

Define “narrative point of view” and discuss the point of view of “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Is the story related in the past, present or future tense? Is the story told from a first, second, or third person point of view? How limited is the narrator’s perspective? Why do you think the author chose this narrative style?

(see the answer keys)

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